Chapter 109. Family Day

On Saturday, Nathan planned a Family Day.

"Family day" was an old sort of tradition that Julia's father had started, that went back as far as she could remember. He used to plan something, fun or simple, and then tell Julia and Jake to be ready at a certain time, for a "family day". Once, Julia had mentioned the old tradition to Nathan, and he liked it so much, he wanted to keep it going.

In truth, Nathan had often taken "family time" with Allie, usually fishing or riding, but he'd never used such lingo. And quite frankly, they'd never really needed an official name for it, because the "family" had only ever been the two of them. But now that it was expanding, and Allie was getting older, it seemed only fitting to make a new tradition. And Nathan liked the way Julia's father had been creative with their "family days". Even for simple outings, the fact that he made a point to call it a "family day" made even mundane things special.

School was scheduled to start back on Monday, and next weekend, family would begin to arrive for the wedding. So Saturday seemed the only opportunity to fit in a "family day", for the Grant family, for the foreseeable future. And lately, Julia had repeatedly pointed out that Allie needed some new clothes, particularly dresses, for the upcoming school year. And, she still needed a dress for the adoption ceremony, which was scheduled a few days before the wedding.

So early on Saturday morning, this little family-in-the-making set off on Ginger, Newt, and Lucy, in the direction of Benson Hills. It was a beautiful day, even if was predicted to be a warm one. The plan was to do some shopping for Allie in a few boutiques, as well as stop by the bookstore. And Nathan wanted to take his girls to lunch at the cute little cafe where he'd taken Julia before their engagement.

On the way, they discussed the latest. Allie had heard from Emily who had heard from Laura, that Mrs. Thornton had brought an entire set of Encyclopedias back from Hamilton, a donation from her father's library.

Jake was still in Union City at trial, but had finished up all of his testimony on Friday. He had called Julia late last night, and sounded eager to come home. He was scheduled on the first train back to Hope Valley on Saturday morning, and would arrive in the afternoon. He'd said it was an opened and closed case, once he presented his testimony, and the sworn statements from Fiona, Bill, and Nathan. The evidence was strong against the defendants, and so, the trial shouldn't last much longer.

One bonus: While at HQ, Jake had tracked down an inspector working on Jimmy McIntosh's stabbing case. Davy Harper had been transferred from Benson Hills to a larger hospital in Union City and was out of the woods now. He'd suffered a terrible infection after his premature departure from Hope Valley's infirmary, and the second assault. But, good news - he was expected to make a full recovery. Julia was relieved to hear that, and to share it with Nathan and Allie. Faith had taken the news to Jimmy this morning, on his house call.

Nathan shared that Archie had worked all day yesterday up at the house. Allie let it slip that her Dad and Archie had also been working on something out in the workshop, though Nathan quickly changed the subject. Julia just smiled curiously over at him, and he responded with his cute, crooked smile. And well, after that, she couldn't bring herself to ask anymore about it.

When they arrived in Benson Hills, they stabled the horses at the livery, and headed to the first clothing boutique. Nathan, who had usually just ordered Allie's things from a catalog, looked like a fish out of water in a women's clothing boutique. But Julia didn't miss a beat. The clerk, who had been surprised when Julia had asked her name, shyly introduced herself as Laura. And in no time flat, Laura and Julia had a rack of about 4 or 5 dresses for Allie to try on. And off to the dressing room they went.

Allie passed over the first two dresses, but the third one, in a pale lavender color, was really pretty on her. Julia and Nathan both agreed, so Laura put it to the side. Next, Allie tried one in white with a ruffle at the collar. It was lovely and made her look very grown up. Perhaps a little too grown up for her father, who balked when she came out of the dressing room.

Julia put her hand on Nathan's shoulder, as she spoke. "It looks very nice, Allie."

Nathan glanced at Julia, then back at Allie. "Yes, yes it does." He had to admit the truth, though he didn't want to. What he really wanted to know was why and when had she stopped wearing rompers?

Julia came to Allie and put her hair up in a mock bun, so Nathan could see the ruffled overlay that went all the way around the collar. And that made Allie look even more grown up. "It looks very nice, Allie."

Nathan stepped closer and nodded, though he didn't look convinced. Allie could tell. "You don't like it, Dad?"

Nathan stumbled with his words. "Yes, yes. Its…very nice. It's just…you don't like wearing rompers anymore?"

Julia giggled at him. "Young ladies don't wear rompers, Nathan." She looked at Allie. "Except maybe when they're riding."

Allie smiled at him through the mirror. "Yea, Dad. I'm a young lady now."

Nathan looked at Julia through the mirror and by his expression, she could see he was not ready for this step.

"Allie, we should get this one, too. Don't you think?" Julia asked her low.

She turned and looked at herself again in the mirror. "I like it very much."

"I agree. It's very nice on you. Why don't you go change, and I'll have Laura put this one to the side, too." Julia told her.

When she was back inside the dressing room, Julia stepped close to Nathan. "Are you okay, my love?"

It was evident that Allie was growing up, but his heart was just…a little bit behind. He needed a minute to catch up. "I will be." He told her with a shy smile.

She could read his expression. She told him low. "It's hard to watch her change and…mature."

Nathan glanced at the dressing room. "When did this happen?"

"Seemingly overnight?" She asked him with an understanding smile.

"Yes." Nathan looked around, and tugged at his collar, that felt like it was buttoned up entirely too high now. Why did he feel like he needed air?

Julia decided to try reason and back into it, for Nathan's sake. "Nathan, she's outgrown most of her young girl dresses. And, her rompers, too. So she needs some new things for school, regardless." She looked down at her hands and then back up at him. "I was a tomboy, too. And I wanted to run around in pants as long as I could." She explained. "But, at a certain point, growing up is inevitable. And she's so lovely, Nathan. She's arrived at an age where she should wear more grown-up dresses. Dresses for young women, or skirts with shirtwaists. It would be a shame to deny her, if she's already ready and willing…"

Nathan gazed at Julia. He knew she was right. Allie was becoming a young woman, and if she was ready for more dresses, he should oblige her. He ran his hand through his hair, the way he did when he was trying to process something. "My head knows you're right. But, my heart… isn't ready for her to grow up so fast."

Julia put her hand reassuringly on his arm. "I can't imagine how hard it is. But, I'm here for you, Nathan, whatever you need."

Nathan nodded and smiled shyly. "Thanks for doing this…for her." He knew he wouldn't have if it hadn't been for Julia's suggestion. "I might not have been ready for another five years."

Julia giggled and squeezed his arm. "I'm sure you would have done just fine without me, Nathan…eventually." She smiled. "But, I'm glad to be next to you, right here, right now."

Allie came out in another dress, but Julia and Nathan both turned up their noses. It was yellow checkered, and not at all flattering. She looked like a tablecloth. Allie took one look in the mirror and turned her nose up, too. She went right back into the dressing room. Then, Allie tried a cream shirtwaist with a brown skirt, both with burgundy accents, and both very nice on her. Nathan nodded, and Julia asked Laura to put those to the side, too.

Then, Julia and Laura helped Allie pick out some undergarments that were appropriate for her age and normal wear under such ensembles. And while Allie changed, Nathan paid and Laura wrapped everything up.

The next boutique was slightly larger, and had a bigger selection. And, they boasted a nice selection for men, nearly half the store.

Once again, Julia immediately asked the salesclerk's name, which was Jenny. She was a bright-eyed young girl with blonde hair, and very knowledgeable. According to Allie's size and coloring, she immediately pulled out several things that met her approval, as well as Nathan's. Julia explained about the adoption ceremony, and Jenny led them over to some racks of dresses for special occasions. Allie found several there, including one in a deep blue that was just beautiful.

Off Allie went to the dressing room. She came out in a peach colored dress with brown accents, for everyday. It was nice, but Allie didn't seem convinced, so she passed. Next she tried a dress in purple, with small checks of blue. This one was really becoming and Julia asked that Jenny put it to the side. The addition of that last dress meant she would have plenty of new things for school. And best of all, Nathan finally seemed content with all of it.

Then, Allie tried the dresses for the adoption ceremony. There were two that were really beautiful, and hard to choose between. The deep blue was just lovely on her, as Julia had anticipated. But Allie also tried a burgundy dress, which was very much in style at the moment. The color was stunning with her complexion, and well, a young girl could never have too many nice dresses. Plus, an additional dress wouldn't hurt; Allie also needed a dress for the small pre-wedding party that Nathan and Julia had scheduled on Friday night before the wedding, in lieu of respective bachelor parties.

Julia approached Nathan while Allie changed back into her clothes. "Nathan, would you allow me to buy her both dresses? The blue and the burgundy?"

He glanced toward the dressing room. "Both? Does she need both?"

"Please, Nathan. She needs a new dress for the adoption ceremony, and I really want to be the one to buy it for her. But, there is also the party on Friday night. It would be nice for her to have something new to wear then, too. The burgundy would be just perfect." Julia implored with a cute smile.

Nathan considered it. "But Julia, it's too much. I don't want you to pay for both."

Julia placed her hand on Nathan's arm, just as she had before. "Every young girl needs nice dresses, Nathan. And, one more will not be extravagant. Let me spoil her just a little bit. Please."

Nathan glanced back at Allie who was just coming out of the dressing room, with a hopeful smile. Jenny held both dresses and looked to him for the answer. He glanced at Julia one more time, and then slowly nodded to Jenny.

Allie didn't hide her excitement, but jumped up and down. She came and gave Julia a big hug. And, Nathan, too.

"Okay, okay." Nathan told her, with his own smile. When she set back on her heels, he teased her. "We're a long way from those old Mountie parties in Fort Simpson now, aren't we?"

"Dad! You don't get married everyday." Allie reminded him. "It's a big deal!"

Julia smiled at Nathan. He looked into her eyes and had to agree. "Yes. Yes, it is."

While Jenny wrapped everything up, Julia wandered over to the men's rack and browsed through the shirts. Julia found one in light blue with white stripes and carried it over to Nathan. He looked shy for just a moment, but the way Julia tilted her head as she held it up to him, he couldn't help but consider it.

"Nathan." The shirt would be so handsome on him, and would make his eyes irresistible. "Would you humor me?"

He glanced at Jenny, who nodded shyly. "It would be very nice, sir. Would you like to try it?"

Nathan returned his gaze to Julia, and realized he could not deny her. It was a nice shirt, and he hadn't had anything new in a while, for everyday occasions. He, of course, had new things on order for the wedding, but those were all more dressy.

Julia lowered her voice, and told him softly. "It would be nice…for our…honeymoon."

Honeymoon. That was the only word he needed to hear. He took the hanger from her and followed Jenny to the men's dressing room.

"You've got to be kidding. I can't believe he agreed." Allie said, with a smile. "What on earth did you say to him?"

Julia just giggled inside as she thought about it. She tried like the dickens to keep a straight face. "He doesn't do that, normally?"

"Not unless Grams is with us." Allie shook her head. "And even then, only when she insists."

Julia chuckled low. "Well, maybe you and I should see what else is in this store? While he's willing."

Allie had a list. "He needs some new pajamas...and some new brown suspenders."

Jenny overheard them, and brought them to the shelf of pajamas. Jenny immediately pulled out a box of light blue pajamas in Nathan's size. Julia wouldn't dare ask him to try them on. "Jenny…maybe just wrap them up, without the Mister knowing?" She nodded.

Then, Jenny pulled out some brown suspenders. Julia looked to Allie, who nodded her approval.

"We'll take those, too." Julia replied. Allie looked quite proud of herself. Jenny took both boxes to the counter, and started wrapping.

Nathan came out dressed in the blue shirt, and almost immediately, Julia and Allie nodded an emphatic yes, in unison. It was very nice, and made his eyes pop. "Dad, you look…very handsome."

Julia stepped close and straightened the shirt at the collar. She wiped away a fold on one of his shoulders. Then she caught his eyes. Her breath stopped cold. "Indeed. We must take it, Nathan. It's…very…nice."

Nathan smiled down at her, and nodded. He couldn't believe he had ended up in the dressing room. But, Julia and Allie were right, it was a nice shirt. Julia had good taste, and had chosen well for him. And then, well, there was the way she was looking at him...

Julia looked at Allie and winked. "Okay, Jenny. Add it to my tab."

"You are not buying all this, Julia." Nathan told her sternly, with a playful pointer finger.

Julia tipped one side of her mouth and challenged back. "Mr. Grant. Jenny and I have an understanding."

Nathan smiled crooked but still tried to sound stern. "You are not paying, Julia."

Julia looked back at Jenny and winked. He saw it and challenged again. "Miss...Jenny, don't you dare."

Allie just giggled, looking back and forth between them. It was obvious that Jenny also thought them adorable. Nathan retreated to the dressing room and changed as quickly as possible. Though, by the time he came out, Julia had, of course, already paid in full.

Nathan protested. "Julia. It's too much."

She stepped closer and told him quietly. "Nathan, we are merging our lives together. In two weeks time, everything I own will be half yours anyway. Please don't be upset. You two are the most important people in my life." Then she smiled playful. "And my love, you might just need to get used to me spoiling you from time to time. Like you spoiled me, last night."

Nathan just gazed down at her, and repeated in a whisper. "In two weeks time…" That's the part he heard over all the rest? They would be husband and wife in two weeks time. And that let the air out of every argument.

Julia smiled up at him. "Thank you, Nathan. For letting me buy the dresses for Allie. And, your shirt."

Though, he counted boxes and there seemed too many. Nathan playfully looked over her shoulder, trying to see inside the bags. "Wait a minute. What else is in there?" His pajamas and suspenders were, of course, all wrapped up securely.

Julia moved so he couldn't see anymore and giggled low. "Stop being so nosy." She told him with a playful grin, and tried to turn him away from the counter. But, each time, he just kept spinning back around and peering over her shoulder into the bags, teasing her.

"Nathan Grant!" Julia scolded with a giggle. Jenny and Allie broke out in laughter, at his cute antics.

"Dad!" Allie told him with a giggle of her own. 'Stop it!" And he turned her way, looking in the bag Allie held. She just laughed, hid it behind her back, and playfully turned him away.

"We'll let you buy lunch, Lawman." Julia told him, and he finally stopped teasing them.

When they had gathered all their bags, Julia turned to Jenny. "Thank you for everything, Jenny."

"Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials." Jenny replied, and then looked at Allie. "And…your adoption."

The trio thanked her once more and walked up the hill towards the cafe. They passed the jewelry shop where Mr. Stevenson had sized up Julia's finger, without her knowing. They turned right and weaved through the streets to the cute little plaza, just as Julia and Nathan had done on their date so many weeks back. They approached the entrance of the cafe patio, and Mr. Nelson spotted them.

He seated them on the terrace, next to the smaller table where Nathan and Julia had eaten on that date. The trio took their time and enjoyed a beautiful family lunch together. Allie was in a very good mood, after the successful shopping. And Nathan was happy too, still as playful as he'd been earlier.

During the meal they discussed the new school year, and Allie's excitement to see all of her friends. They discussed Robert, though when they did, Nathan shifted uneasily in his chair. Julia just kept her hand on his arm, as he struggled to maneuver such a conversation. Despite his apprehension, he did well - he related to Allie, and gave her good advice, as always.

They discussed the final wedding preparations, which were coming together nicely, and Rebecca's arrival on Thursday, which they were all excited about. And Nathan shared an update about the building progress up at the big house.

After coffee and a big shared dessert, the trio stopped by the bookstore and bought a few new books for their library.

As they passed the Benson Hills Mountie office, Nathan poked his head inside. Ben and Pendergrass were both on duty and present, so he called his girls inside. They talked for a few minutes, and Ben let it slip about his move to Hope Valley. Allie was ecstatic, but both Nathan and Julia made her promise to keep the secret until Ben talked to Faith. He had mailed her a letter just this morning.

Nathan, Allie, and Julia continued to the livery and readied the horses. They managed to get all of their packages stowed, though just barely, and the trio rode contentedly back to Hope Valley.

After they dropped the horses at the livery, Nathan and Allie set out for home, packages in hand. Julia carried the bag with Nathan's gifts to her apartment, dropped them off quickly, and headed up the back stairs of the Mercantile, to Jake's apartment.

She knocked lightly on the door, but there was no answer. So, she tapped louder. And finally, after one more hard knock, she heard a gruff voice on the other side. "Who is it?"

"Jake. It's me."

His voice softened instantly. "Just a minute, sis."

When he finally opened the door, it was evident that she had caught him in the bath, or asleep. His suspenders were still down and his shirt not yet buttoned all the way nor tucked in. A towel was thrown across his shoulders, and his hair was all wet.

"Did I catch you at a bad time, brother? In the bath?" She teased, as she stepped inside.

"Yes." He told her shyly. "And asleep." Ah, so he had fallen asleep in the bathtub.

"Well it's a good thing I woke you up before your fingers and toes turned to raisins." She teased.

"Too late." He told her, holding out one wilted hand, as he towel-wiped his hair with the other.

"Well then, I'm glad I came along when I did." Julia smiled up at him. When he finally finished wiping. "And I'm glad you're home, Jake."

"It's good to be home." He admitted. "It was a long stretch."

"I came to take you to dinner." She offered. "At Nathan's. Allie and I are making fried chicken."

"Really?" That sounded nice. "You sure I won't be intruding?"

Julia laughed. "Of course, not. You're family, Jake. Besides, Allie will be heartbroken if you don't come." She sure knew how to convince him. He could never let Allie down. She reached up and ruffled his wet hair. "And, me too. I've missed you, Jake."

He agreed. They needed to catch up. "Okay, sis. I am kinda hungry."

Julia laughed. "When are you not hungry, big brother?"

He gave her a wrinkly finger. "Good point." He looked back toward his bedroom door. "Let me just finish getting dressed."

Julia nodded and off he went to his bedroom. Julia took a seat on the settee, and looked around. Mike had good taste, or perhaps he'd had help from his sisters in decorating his apartment. The curtains were cream colored, and the settee a dark masculine blue. The tables were dark cherry wood, and a cream colored lamp, with a crisp white shade, sat on one of them. A few random paintings hung on the walls, as well as one family photo. Mike had a lot of sisters.

Jake finally came out all dressed and ready, and they walked down his back stairs together.

Julia looked up at her handsome brother. "You need a haircut, Jake."

"I know." He told her as they turned to walk through town.

Julia wondered. "Are you avoiding the barbershop?"

Jake looked down towards the Nichols & Dimes. "I guess." He looked down at his caring sister. He couldn't tell her anything but the truth.

"Is there a reason why?"

Jake told her. "The morning I left for Union City, we had a situation."

Julia asked. "A situation?"

"Yes. A situation." He sighed. "First, we had such a nice time together."

Julia smiled. "Well, that's good."

He looked over at the chairs in front of his office as they passed by. "We sat in those chairs and had coffee together. We talked about the sea and traveling and…we…connected."

Julia thought of how many times she and Nathan had done the same. What was it about those chairs? "Well, that sounds good, too."

"But when it came time for me to get on the stage coach, she suddenly didn't want anything to do with me." Jake didn't know how else to explain it. "I asked her to walk me there, and maybe I shouldn't have. Maybe I moved too fast." He shrugged his shoulders. "She said walking me there would be…defining?"

"Defining?" Julia wondered. "Like, it would define your relationship as something more?"

"Yes."

"That doesn't sound like Fiona." Julia told him. "She usually knows what she wants, and has it figured out well in advance." Julia looked down at the ground. "Maybe you threw her for a loop."

"Maybe our…connection…has thrown us both for a loop." Jake told her honest. Julia looked up at her brother and could see it was true. He hadn't been expecting to care about someone so fiercely. Julia thought back through the times she'd seen Fiona and him together, and there was an unexplainable electricity whenever they were within six feet of each other. Just as there had always been between her and Nathan.

"Jake, it's obvious that what's happening between you is…out of the ordinary." She smiled up at him. "But perhaps, Fiona is just scared of what you expect from her. She's afraid to lose herself. Her previous relationships didn't end well." She pursed her lips. "Always with expectations for her to change and mold to the other person. To sacrifice her independence, which she is not willing to do."

Jake argued. "I would never ask her to do that. And I would never want her to change, not one bit." His face was resolute. "I…like her…just the way she is." He looked down at his hand which was less wilted now. "I love that she's modern and independent."

Julia knew everything Jake said was true. He would never ask anyone to change, certainly not Fiona. The attributes that set her apart were the very same attributes that drew him to her in the first place. "Well…perhaps, you should tell her that."

Jake knew what needed to happen next. They had never really discussed expectations, or their feelings for that matter. He'd not yet told her how strong his sentiments actually were.

"Have you been clear about how you feel?" Julia asked him.

"Perhaps not." Jake admitted. "Not with words, anyway."

Julia nodded. "It might be time to lay it all on the table." She suggested. "Or at least make it clear that you would like to pursue her. And…that you would never ask her to change."

They stopped at the bottom step of Nathan's row house. "One thing I know for sure, Jake. Fiona seems to reciprocate your feelings. At least, from what I can see." She paused and made sure he took that in. "Now, it's just a matter of communication…with words this time."

Jake nodded in agreement. He had been called away on assignments, and before that, Fiona had avoided him. So they had never really talked about what had transpired between them when he'd rescued her from the hole. Or when he'd flirted with her and carried her in his arms the day of the baseball game. He'd shown her how he felt, but he'd never come right out and verbalized it. His sister was right - it was time.

Julia put her hand on his arm, her face serious and stern. "And Jake, please…" He looked at her intently, waiting on a last tidbit of sober, sisterly advice. "Get a haircut!"

And they both burst out laughing. Julia started up the steps and Jake followed her, shaking his head.

"Very funny, sis." He told her, as he knocked on the door.

Allie answered with a happy smile. "Uncle Jake!" She stepped out on the porch and gave him a big hug.

"Hey, Kiddo!" He looked down at her when she stepped back on her heels. "How's it going?"

"We spent the day in Benson Hills. Family day. And it was so much fun." Allie told him as they followed her into the house. Jake's face lit up when he heard the words Family Day.

Julia looked around and didn't see Nathan or Archie anywhere. Allie kept talking. "We ate at a cute cafe. The owner was a retired Mountie. And, we went shopping."

Jake obliged her. "It sounds like fun. I love Family Day." He smiled over at his sister, happy to hear the tradition continued.

"I got two new books and clothes for school." Allie finished.

Julia added. "School starts on Monday."

"So summer is nearly over." Jake looked sort of sad. "I'm never quite ready for it to end."

Allie encouraged him. "Ah, there's still a lot of fishing to be done. For a while yet."

Jake nodded. "You'll have to take me sometime. Show me the good spots."

That gave Allie an idea. "We should all go. I can even invite Miss Miller. She told me once she likes fishing."

Julia glanced at Jake with a knowing smile, and teased. "That would be nice, Allie. You should definitely do that." Jake gave Julia the stink eye, and she had to bite her lip hard to keep from laughing. For the second time today.

Jake needed an escape. "Allie, where's your Dad?"

"Oh, he and Grandpa are out in the workshop." Allie replied. "You can go check it out if you'd like, Uncle Jake."

"Yes, please." And he went out the back door towards the shed in the back. Julia just watched him go, with a smile.

Then she turned toward Allie. "How about that fried chicken? Did Gramps get everything on our list?"

Allie smiled big. "He sure did." And both women went to the kitchen, and set to work.

By the time the men came inside, a wonderful smell filled the first floor. The first pieces of chicken were cooking nicely, the potatoes were boiling, and Allie was snapping the last of the green beans.

Julia was breading more chicken, when Nathan came close and planted a soft kiss on Julia's cheek. She looked up from her work. "Hi, Lawman."

"Hi, Jules." He responded, as he looked deep into her eyes. Talk about electricity.

While they were distracted, Allie stuck her hand in the flour. That got their attention, but Allie just looked at her Dad threateningly. Julia, who was wearing the exact apron Nathan had worn in that flour fight, burst out laughing and told them both. "No, no, no, you two!"

Nathan stuck his own hand into the flour bowl and grabbed his share. He returned Allie's playful threatening glare. "Let's go, Allie girl!"

With a floured pointer finger, Julia told him. "Nathan Grant! Don't you dare!" She remembered how such a scene had ended last time, and no way was she allowing that again.

Nathan looked at Julia and softened. Allie did not, however. She held her ground, and came a step forward. Julia's floured pointer finger changed direction. "Allie Mayes Grant!" Julia admonished as she stepped between them. It didn't take any more than that.

Finally, reluctantly, Nathan let go of his handful of flour, he let it fall back down into the bowl. A clear sign of surrender.

Allie squinted her eyes and did the same. "Truce." She said, with a coy smile. "This time."

Nathan squinted his own eyes playfully, and smiled back at his daughter. "This time."

And, he wiped his hands on a tea towel just next to the bowl of flour. Allie wiped hers on her own flowered apron and sent Nathan out of the kitchen, with a chuckle. And his girls went back to work.

About ten minutes later, Jake came strolling in. Julia knew her brother all too well. "Hungry?" She asked him. But then, Julia explained to Allie. "My brother's stomach is empty, so he has come to see what is taking so long."

Allie handed him the plates and silverware. "There's a rule in this house, Uncle Jake. If you come in here before it's ready, we'll put you to work."

Jake just smiled cutely at his soon to be niece. "I have no problem working for my dinner, Kiddo." He told her as he took the plates and silverware. He went straight to the table, and started setting it.

When he was done with that he asked Allie. "What else?"

"The bread, butter, water pitcher." She looked over his shoulder. What else was missing? "Glasses."

"Where would I find those?" He asked her. Allie pointed to a cabinet. Jake opened it, found the glasses, and took down five. He found the bread in the bread box, the butter in ice box, and grabbed the full water pitcher from next to the wash basin.

Jake looked at both of them with his hands out. "And?" He was definitely impatient to eat.

Julia just chuckled low. "That should do it, Jake. Now you'll just have to be patient."

He groaned audibly and walked back over to the living room. It smelled so good, and he hadn't eaten a home cooked meal since before Jimmy showed up.

Allie looked at Julia and then told them. "Why don't you men play chess?"

Nathan overheard, retrieved the chess set, and returned to his chair. "Shall we, Jake?" Nathan had not yet played against his future brother in law, and it seemed the perfect occasion.

"Yes. Let's." Jake responded, and they set up the board.

With the men occupied, Nathan and Jake deep into their chess game and Archie looking on, Julia and Allie were able to finish dinner. Julia liked to work side by side with Allie, and appreciated how eager she was to learn new things in the kitchen. But most of all, she appreciated how much time cooking together afforded them, one on one.

By the time Julia and Allie called the men for dinner, there were already quite a few pieces missing from the chess board. They called a time out and happily came around the table.

Nathan said a blessing over the food, and they all dug in. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans had become a family favorite. Not a morsel was left over.

When they were all done, Allie and Julia set to work alongside Archie to wash the dishes, while Jake and Nathan returned to their chess match. Then, Julia and Allie took to reading side by side on the settee, while Archie read in a chair. When Nathan finally called out "checkmate", everyone was ready to call it a night.

Jake and Julia said their goodbyes to Archie and Allie, who both headed upstairs to bed. Then Nathan walked Julia and Jake to the door.

"Thanks for having me, Nathan." Jake said with a smile. "And, thanks for the formidable chess match."

Nathan nodded. "We're always happy to have you, Jake." He paused. "And I'll play chess with you anytime. You are a strong opponent."

Jake smiled. "I hope you'll agree to a rematch soon." He looked at Julia and back at Nathan. "And if you need any help with your project in the workshop, don't hesitate."

Nathan nodded. "I'll take you up on that." This evening, it had been nice to have Jake join in the work, out in the workshop. More time together, in that capacity, would be welcome. "I'll let you know when."

Nathan leaned down, took Julia's hand, and kissed it lightly. "See you tomorrow? At church?"

Julia gazed up at Nathan. "Of course."

Jake opened the door and Nathan followed them out. He gave Julia's hand one more gentle squeeze, before they descended the stairs.

Then Jake and Julia began their walk back to town.